GMOA Calls for Changes to Taxation and Better Conditions for Medical Professionals

The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) has called for changes to the country’s taxation system and improvements to the remuneration and administrative conditions affecting medical professionals.

Speaking at a GMOA media briefing, Dr. Lasitha Kannangara, a spokesperson for the association, said Sri Lanka’s healthcare system continues to provide a high level of service and that the medical administrative service plays an important role in maintaining it.

He said several issues exist within the medical administrative service, including a number of vacancies. According to him, these vacancies are creating difficulties for medical administrators. He stressed the need to appoint suitably qualified medical administrators at the appropriate time and to establish a proper transfer system.

Dr. Kannangara also said that the remuneration provided in recognition of the commitment of medical administrators remains at an outdated level.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ajanta Rajakaruna said the cost of living has increased significantly while salaries have not increased at the same rate. He also raised concerns over increased taxation on professionals.

He said that although professionals had received some relief, it had not reached the level requested by them, and claimed that this situation had contributed to an increasing trend of professionals leaving the country.

Dr. Rajakaruna also called for a more suitable taxation system for professionals in the upcoming Budget.

Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe, Assistant Secretary of the GMOA, said government employees had previously faced a tax burden reaching 36% and that the association had conducted a significant campaign seeking a reduction.

According to the Inland Revenue Department, the current individual income-tax structure includes rates of 6%, 18%, 24%, 30% and 36%, with the 36% rate applying to the balance of taxable income after the lower bands. The current APIT table for regular employment income similarly applies a maximum 36% marginal rate to monthly taxable employment income exceeding Rs. 358,333.

Dr. Wijesinghe claimed that despite an increase in government tax revenue, professionals continue to face a significant tax burden. He further claimed that the taxation policy had contributed to the loss of skilled professionals from the country and said that around 3,000 specialist doctors had left Sri Lanka.

He said professionals should be provided with a tax structure that reflects their ability to pay and stated that the GMOA had included its proposals for consideration in the upcoming Budget.

The GMOA is the trade union representing government medical officers in Sri Lanka.